Fireworks blast at Armenian market injures at least 60 and kills two
Footage captures the moment a blast rocks Surmalu market
A powerful explosion at a fireworks storage area has torn through a popular market in Armenia, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others.
More than three hours after the early afternoon blast at Surmalu market, in the capital of Yerevan, firemen laboured to put out the blaze that sent a towering column of smoke over the city centre. Rescue workers and volunteers in civilian clothes searched for victims who might be trapped under slabs of concrete and twisted metal.
Emergencies minister Armen Pambukhchyan said the ministry has received 20 reports from people who said they could not locate their relatives after the blast. 10 injured people and one dead victim were pulled from the rubble, according to the national health ministry, which also gave the casualty toll.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw two people pulled from the rubble - a woman with an injured leg and a young man who appeared to be unconscious.
Fireworks continued to explode as the firemen and rescuers worked amid thick smoke.
The market, about two kilometres south of city centre, is popular for its low prices and variety of goods.
There was no immediate word on what caused the fireworks to ignite.
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